Drop-shelf dispensing mechanism

ABSTRACT

A drop-shelf dispensing mechanism configured for use in a dispensing machine comprising an upper housing including a plurality of pivotally mounted drop-shelves arranged vertically relative to each other for individually supporting products to be dispensed and a corresponding plurality of pivotally mounted actuation/lock-out elements operatively engaging each other and the shelves, a corresponding plurality of support ledges each in communicating relation to a corresponding drop-shelf to hold the drop-shelves in a substantially horizontal position, an actuating means in communicating relation to the actuation/lock-out elements and a lower housing including a dispensing chute means in communication with the upper housing such that upon actuation of the actuating means the retainer ledge of the lower most horizontal drop-shelf is disengaged from the corresponding support ledge to pivot downward dropping the product into the dispensing chute means and simultaneously arming the next adjacent drop-shelf for actuation whereby successive actuation of the actuating means progressively actuates the drop-shelves individually in accending order.

United States Patent [191 Knickerbocker DROP-SHELF DISPENSING MECHANISM [76] Inventor: Karl Knickerbocker, 400 Baycrest Dr., Venice, Fla. 33595 22 'Filed: Sept. 25, 1972 211 App]. No'.: 282,277

52 us. Cl. .Q 221/90 [51] Int. Cl. G07f 11/06 [58] Field of Search... 221/90 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,916,530 7/1933 Richardson 221/90 2,936,931 5/1960 Forst 221/90 3,137,411 6/1964 Bailey; 221/90 3,163,325 12/1964 Miha'1ek.. 221/90 3,384,266 5/1968 Schuller 221/90 Primary ExaminerRobert B. Reeves 7 Assistant Examiner-Thomas E. Kocovsky Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Stein,- Orman & Fisher [57] ABSTRACT A drop-shelf dispensing mechanism configuredfor use Jan. 29, 1974 in a dispensing machine comprising an upper housing including a plurality of pivotally mounted drop-shelves arranged vertically relative to each other for individually supporting products to be dispensed and a corresponding plurality of pivotally mounted actuation/- lock-out elements operatively engaging each other and the shelves, a corresponding plurality of support ledges each in communicating relation to a corresponding drop-shelf to hold the drop-shelves in a substantially horizontal position, an actuating means in communicating relation to the actuation/lock-out elements and a lower housing including a dispensing chute means in communication with the upper housing such that upon actuation of the actuating means the retainer ledge of the lower most horizontal drop- I shelf is disengaged from the corresponding support ledge to pivot downward dropping the product into the dispensing chute means and simultaneously arming the next adjacent drop-shelf for actuation whereby successive actuation of the actuating means progressively actuates the drop-shelves individually in accending order.

13 Claims, 21 Drawing Figures 1 DROP-SHELF DISPENSING MECHANISM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION I tuation of the preceding shelves.

2. Description of the Prior Art A large numberof coin operated vending machines have been designed and developed to meet various requirements dictated by the type of product to be dispensed. Notwithstanding the type of product to be dispensed, these machines can generally be categorized as either electrically or mechanically operated. Of course, numerous combination electro-mechanical systems have also been developed.

Aside from the various mechanical difficulties experinced during operation, the electrical and electromechanical systems are subject to lose electrical power and failure within the components of the systems themselves as a result various sophisticated mechanical systems have been produced. Unfortunately many of these devices include elaborate and complex actuation and- /or dispensing means. In addition, the'structure associated'with tripping or feeding successive productsis usually complex and intricate. As a result numerous distinct and differing parts are required. This, of

course, greatly increases the cost of manufacture and 3-5 SUMMARY OF THEINVENTION This invention relates to a drop-shelf dispensing mechanism for use in a dispensing machine. More specifically, the dispensing mechanism comprises an upper mechanism.

actuating means is arranged in operative relation to the actuation means. Corresponding actuation and lockout elements are operatively interconnected such that upon actuation of the mechanism the actuating means engages the lowermost actuation element which, in turn, engages the lowermost drop-shelf means moving the lowermost drop-shelf means out of supporting relation with the support means causing the drop-shelf means to pivot downwardly to a substantially vertical position dispensing the product supported thereon into a dispensing chuteformed in the lower housing. Simultaneously the corresponding actuation and lock-out elements pivot downwardly allowing the next drop-shelf means to move into position for actuation. Thus with successive actuation succeeding drop-shelf means are armed and actuated until the entire vertical column has been dispensed.

The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements, arid arrangement of parts which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OFTI-IE DRAWINGS For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of the present invention in a coin operated dispensing machine.

FIG. 2 is'a front. view of I the drop-shelf dispensing FIG. 3 is a side view of the drop-shelf dispensing mechanism. I 1

FIG. '4 is a rear view of the drop-shelf dispensing mechanism. I

FIG. 5 is a detailed rear view of the upper portion of the drop-shelf dispensing mechanism.

and a lower housing interconnected to each other whereby products are conveyed from the upper housing via the lower housing to the customer.

A plurality of drop-shelf means arranged vertically relative to each other are pivotally mounted within the upper housing. Each shelf means includes a retainer ledge which operatively engages a support means formed within the upper housing to hold the shelf means in a substantially horizontal supporting position. Extending rearwardly from each of the drop-shelf means is a locking tab which is disposed to operatively engage a lock-out means. The lock-out means comprises a plurality of lock-out elements equal in number to the drop-shelf means and each in operative communication with a corresponding drop-shelf means. An actuation means comprising a plurality of actuation elements equal in number to the drop-shelf means and each in operative communication with a corresponding drop-shelf means .is arranged on the upper housing. An

FIG. SA is a detailed rear view of the upper portion of the drop-shelf dispensing mechanism partially actuated.

' FIG. 5B is a detailed rear view of the upper portion of the drop-shelf dispensing mechanism actuated.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional top view of the drop-shelf dispensing mechanism taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5

FIG. 7 is a top view of the drop-shelf dispensing mechanism. 1

FIG. 7A is a top view of the drop-shelf dispensing mechanism partially actuated.

FIG. 8 is a detailed cross-sectional front view of the drop-shelf dispensing-mechanism taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7. I

FIG. 9 is a detailed cross-sectional front view of the 5 drop-shelf dispensing mechanism taken along line 9-9 of FIG. -7A.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional top view of the drop-shelf dispensing mechansim taken along lines 10-10 of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 1 l is a cross-sectional top view of the drop-shelf dispensing mechanism taken along lines 1 1-1 1 of FIG.

FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG.

FIG. 18 is a rear view of a drop-shelf. Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT As best shown in FIGS. 2 through 4, this invention comprises a drop-shelf dispensing mechanism generally indicated as 10. As shown in FIG. 1 a plurality of such mechanisms are used in combination with a dispensing cabinet 12. As shown, a plurality of drop shelf dispensing mechansims 10 are to be integrated into the single cabinet 12 in side-to-side relation to provide a plurality of product selections.

As best shown in FIG. 1, the cabinet 12 includes a coin feed slot 14, coin return button 16 and coin return/change receptacle 18 arranged on the front wall 20 thereof. Front wall 20 also includes display opening 22 and dispensing port 24. The cabinet 12 may rest directly on a supporting surface or include a plurality of supports 26 attached to the bottom wall 28 to support the cabinet above the supporting surface.

As best shown in FIGS. 2 through 4, the drop-shelf dispensing mechanism 10 comprises an upper housing 30 and a lower housing 32 fixedly attached together with a plurality of fastening means 34 such as the screw/nut combinations shown in FIG. 3. The lower housing 32 comprises a substantially rectangular base 36 including an upper surface 38, front and rear walls 40 and 42 respectively, and side walls 44 and 46. Affixed to upper surface 38 and extending upwardly therefrom are substantially parallel lower housing side walls 48 and 50. Side walls 48 and 50 include peripheral flanges 52, 54, 56 and 58, 60, 62 respectively. Side walls 48 and 50 areattached to upper surface 38 by a plurality of fastening means 64 such as the screw/nut combinations shown in FIG. 3 which extend through flanges 54 and and upper surface 38. A curved dispensing chute 66 including flange 68 is attached at its upper end to the upper housing 30 by fastening means 70 (FIG. 4) and at its lower end to front wall 40 by fastening means 72 (FIGS. 2 and 3) extending through flange 68 and wall 40. Fastening means 70 and 72 may be screw/nut combinations or other suitable fastening means.

An actuating means enclosure is attached to the forward portion of the lower housing 32. The enclosure comprises a lower. curved member 76 (FIGS. 2 and 3) and an upper rectangular member 77 (FIGS. 7 and 7A). The lower member 76 includes a front plate 78 and a curved portion 82. The front plate 78 is attached to flanges 52 and 58 by a plurality of fastening means 80. Front plate 78 includes arcuated notch 84. A cutaway slot (not shown) is formed on the upper portion of curved portion 82. The upper member 77 is fastened to side walls 48 and 50 by fastening means 79. The upper member 77 includes spindle aperture 86 and slide slot 88 (FIGS. 7 and 7A) to accommodate the actuating means as more fully described hereinafter.

As shown in FIG. 4, a back plate 90 including flanges 94 and 96 interconnects side walls 48 and 50 by a plurality of fastening means 98 as an additional means of support.

The width of the dispensing chute 66 and curved portion 82 are substantially equal to the lateral separation of side walls 48 and 50 such that these four elements cooperatively define a dispensing passage 100 whereby the upper housing 30 communicates with the dispensing port 24.

As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the upper housing 30 comprises a substantially U-shaped enclosure including side walls 102, 104 and rear wall 106. A plurality of equally spaced mounting tabs 108 arranged vertically relative to each other and including apertures 1 10 extend inwardly from side wall 104 toward side wall 102. In addition a corresponding plurality of mounting slots 112 arranged vertically relative to each other are formed in side wall 104. Arrangedon the interior of side wall 102 is a corresponding plurality of support ledges 114. Corresponding tabs 108, slots 112 and ledges 114 are arranged substantially in the same horizontal plane relative to each other.

FIGS. 4 and 5, disclose a rear wall 106 including a plurality of elongated apertures 1 16 arranged vertically relative to each other. Each of these apertures is in a plane substantially horizontal to its corresponding slot 112 and tab 108. Formed adjacent to each of the apertures 116 is a pie-shaped aperture 118. Arranged in communicating relation to each elongated aperture 116 and aperture 118 is a corresponding actuation element 120 and lock-out element 122 pivotally attached to the rear wall 106 by fastening means 124.

As best shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the actuating element 120 comprises a substantially rectangular body 126 including aperture 128, L-shaped tripper bar 130 including tripper foot 132 and support plate 134 in-. cluding aperture 136. Y

The lock-out element (FIGS. 14 and 15) comprisesa substantially rectangular body 138 including aperture 140, projection 142 and tail 144.

Extending rearwardly from wall 106 is a plurality of elongated members 146 which are interconnected to actuating elements 120 by spring means 148. As more fully described hereinafter, these spring means 148' tend to pivot elements 120 counterclockwise about aperture 128. A cylindrical limit stop 150 extending rearwardly from wall 106 is arranged below the lower most actuating/lock-out combination.

As best seen in FIGS. 7 and 7A, drop-shelf means 151 comprises a substantially rectangular shelf 152 pivotally attached to the upper housing 30 by a flexible shaft 154. As best seen in FIGS. 16 through 18, the shelf 152 includes front and rear mounting means 156 and 158 respectively having apertures 160 and 162 respectively. A retainer ledge 164 is formed on the periphery of shelf 152 to engage the corresponding ledge 114 as more fully described hereinafter. The shelf 152 also includes a locking tab 166 extending rearwardly from mounting means 158.

The flexible shaft 154 comprises an elongated wire- Iike member having a substantially V-shaped contour formed in the mid-portion thereof. To mount the drop-shelf means 151, the flexible shaft 154 is passed through apertures and 162. The drop-shelf means 151 is then placed in the upper housing 30 with the ends of the flexible shaft 154 passing through apertures l 10 and 1 16 of the upper housing 30 with the V-shaped contour 155 fitted through slot 112.

As best seen in FIG. 3, the actuating means comprises a reciprocating handle 168 interconnected to a cylindrical actuating member 172 by linkages 174, 176 and 178. The handle l68-is biased closed by a spring (not shown) housed in enclosurel70. Linkage 176 is pivotally attached to side wall 50 by fastening means 180. A selector member 173 is connected to rod 175 of handle 168 by fastening means 177 extending through slot 88 (FIGS. 7 and 7A).

As'best seen in FIG. 11, the actuating member 172 comprises a substantially cylindrical body 182 having smaller cylindrical extensions 184 and 186 formed at opposite ends thereof. Extensions 184 and 186 extend through apertures 188 and 190 of plates 191 and 192 to pivotally mount the member 172 on the device 10. Body 182 includes a plurality of equally spaced actuating lugs 194 and interconnecting member196 having apertures. 198 and 200 formed thereon. Member 172 is biased in the foreward position by return spring 202 attached at one end to aperture 198 and at the opposite end to fastening means 204. Linkage 178 is pivotally attached to member 196 by fastening means 205 extending through aperture 200. A limit stop 206 extends upwardly .from flange 62 to restrict the rotational movement of member 172.

For purposes of discussion and clarity the lowermost shelf means 151 and corresponding elements will be referred to with the subscript a such as shelf 152a and ledge 114a. .Subscripts b and c are similarly used for the shelf means 151B and 151s in accending order-with their respective corresponding elements.

As best shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, handle 16s is normally retracted against front plate 78 by a spring means (not shown) causing return spring 202 to bias member 172 out of engagement with tripper feet 132. As shown in FIGS. 6"through 8, retainer ledge normally rests on top of support ledge 1 14 supporting the shelf 152 in the horizontal plane. The products to be dispensed are then placed on top of the'shelves 152. As shown in FIGS. 5, initially all the shelves 152 are unactuated. ln this posi tion, the rearward portion of spring 154 the lowermost shelf, tripper foot 132 and lug 194 are aligned in the horizontal plane. At this same time projection 142 engages tab 166 to hold lock-out element 122 upward against the force of spring 148. In this position, the upper" edge of body 138a engages plate 1 34b of the succeeding actuating member 120 to hold foot 132 out of horizontal alignment with lug 194b. Similarly the upper edge of body 138k engages plate 1340 of actuating member 120a holding foot 1320 out of horizontal alignment-with lug-194c.- Although only three actuation/'- lock-out combinations are shown,.are large number of combinations can be used.

To operate, the proper combination of coin (s) is deposited in the coining feed slot 14. The appropriate handle 168; corresponding to the desired selection is then pulled. As the handle 168 is pulled outward linkage 176 pivots clockwiseaboutpivot point 180 pushing stop 150. The rotation of element 122a is limited by the engagement of tail 144a with elongated member l46b. Actuation element 120b and lock-out element 122b simultaneously rotate downward to engage locking tab 166b thereby operatively aligning spring 154b, foot 132b and lug 194b in the horizontal plane. Thus the second or succeeding shelf means 152!) is in alignment to be actuated. As previously described, only one dropshelf means 152 is properly aligned for actuation at a time. Therefore the process is continued sucessively nism 10. If two or more handles are pulled simultaneously the outer end of selector members 173 will engage the inner edge of the members 179 to prevent actuation of any mechanism 10.

To return the drop-shelf 152 to the first or horizontal position, the shelves 152 are lifted upward. As the shelves 152 are rotated tabs 166 engage the feet 130 of linkage 178 rearward against member 196 rotating actuating member 172 counterclockwise. As member 172 rotates lug 194a engages foot 132a and pushes it horizontally toward spring 152a (FIG. 5A). When foot 132aengages the rearward extension of spring 154a it causes the shelf 152a-to-rotatein horizontal plane disengaging ledge 164a and ledge 114a causing shelf 152a (FIG. 7A and 9) to pivot downward dropping the product into the chute 100. Upon release of the handle 168, spring 202 returns the actuating member 172 to the original position.

As shown'in FIG. 513,. as the lowermost drop-shelf means 152a rotates downward locking tab l66adrops downwardallowing actuation element 120a and lockout element 122a to pivot downward and engage limit its corresponding actuation means lifting them upward. In turn, the upper edge of each body 138 engages the plate 134 of the lock-out means 122 immediately above it. As the drop-shelf means 151 reaches the first position retainer ledge 1634 comes to rest on the corresponding support ledge 114 to hold the shelves 152 in the horizontal position. The mechanism is again ready for use.

It should be noted that the mechanism is constructed with a minimum of operating components each specifically configured to provide a relatively inexpensive, maintanence free device. The duplication of similar parts further. reduced the cost of manufacture and simplifies assembly. Thus applicant has invented a highly reliable mechanism at a minimum of cost.

It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceeding description, are efficiently attained, and since certain changes may be made in carrying out the above method and article without departing from the scope of the in vention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. i

It is aslo to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Now that the invention has been described, What is claimed is:

1. A drop-shelf mechanism for use in an article dispensing machine comprising a housing having a plurality of slots formed in a first side thereof, said slots in vertical spaced relation relative to each other, a plurality of articles holding shelves in said housing vertically spaced in corresponding relation with said slots, flexible shafts each having a substantially V-shaped portion formed therein intermediate its ends and extending through its corresponding slot in said housing to connect said shaft to said housing, means on each said shelf to connect its respective flexible shaft to said shelf to pivotally support each said corresponding shelf, means formed on the interior surface of a second side of said housing opposite said first side to support each said shelf in a horizontal position independently of each other, actuating means to move each said shelf out of supporting engagement with said horizontal supporting means by flexing each said flexible shaft toward said first side to allow each said shelf to pivot to a substantially vertical dispensing position.

2. A drop-shelf mechanism for use in dispensing machine as claimed in claim 1 including lock-out means for preventing movement of more than one shelf at a time and to permit movement of said shelves successively in sequence from the lowermost to the topmost shelf.

3. A drop-shelf mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein said means for supporting said shelf in horizontal position comprises a holding tab on the housing and a corresponding tab on the shelf, a slot at one end of the 'shelf for receiving the corresponding end of said flexible shaft, said actuating means moving said shelf laterally to disengage said holding tabs and allow said 'shelf to fall into a substantially dispensing position.

4. A drop-shelf mechanism as claimed in claim 3, said flexible shaft acting to move said shelf laterally to reengage the supporting tabs on the housing and shelf when the shelf is moved from the dispensing position into a horizontal article supporting position.

5. A drop-shelf mechanism for use in a dispensing machine, said mechanism comprising an upper housing, a plurality of shelf means movable between a supporting position and a dispensing position, a support means operatively engaging each of said plurality of shelf means, a movably mounted actuating means, actuation means in communicating relation with said actuating means and said shelf means, and a lock-out means in communicating relation with said actuation means and each of said plurality of shelf means, said actuating means being arranged relative to said actuation means and said plurality of shelf means such that said actuation means and at least one of said shelf means is in operative alignment with said actuating means, said lock-out means engaging the remaining of said plurality of shelf means so as to maintain each out of operative alignment with said actuating means whereby actuation of said actuating means moves said actuating means into operative engagement with said actuation means and said shelf means in operative alignment therewith moving siad shelf means from said supporting position to said dispensing position to dispense a product, said lock-out means engaging each of said remaining shelf means and positioned relative to said actuation means such that at least one of said remaining shelf means is in operative alignment with said actuation means, said plurality of shelf means each successively being in operative alignment with said actuation means and subsequently moved to said dispensing position upon successive actuation of said actuation means, said actuation means comprises a plurality of actuation elements movably mounted on said upper housing, each of said actuation elements correspondingly positioned relative to one of said shelf means, said actuating elements each comprises a body having an elongated aperture formed therein each of said elements mounted for both linear and pivotal movement about said aperture, a tripper means to operatively engage said corresponding shelf means support plate.

6. The mechanism of claim 5 wherein said tripper means comprises a tripper bar having a tripper foot formed thereon to engage said corresponding shelf means.

7. The mechanism of claim 5 wherein each of said actuation elements is operatively connected to a bias spring tending to pivot said actuation elements.

8. A drop-shelf mechanism for use in a dispensing machine, said mechanism comprising an upper housing, a plurality of shelf means movable between a supporting position and a dispensing position, a support means operatively engaging each of said plurality of shelf means, a movably mounted actuating means, actuation means in communicating relation with said actuating means and said shelf means, and a lock-out means in communicating relation with said actuation means and each of said plurality of shelf means, said actuating means being arranged relative to said actuation means and said plurality of shelf means such that said actuation means and at least one of said sheld means is in operative alignment with said actuating means, said lock-out means engaging the remaining of said plurality of shelf means so as to maintain each out of operative alignment with said actuating means whereby actuation of said actuating means moves said actuating means into operative engagement with'said actuation means and said shelf means in operative alignment therewith moving said shelf means from said supporting position to said dispensing position to dispense a product, said lock-out means engaging each of said remaining shelf means and positioned relative to said actuation means such that at least one of said remaining shelf means is in operative alignment with said actuation means, said plurality of shelf means each succesively being in operative alignment with said actuation means and subsequently moved to said dispensing position upon successive actuation of said actuation means, said actuation means comprises a plurality of actuation elements movably mounted on said upper housing, each of said actuation elements correspondingly positioned relative to one of said shelf means, wherein said lock-out means comprises a plurality of lock-out elements pivotally mounted on said upper housing, each of said lock-out means correspondingly positioned relative to one of said actuation elements, wherein said lock-out elements each comprises a body, a portion of said body engaging the next adjacent of said actuation means to hold said actuation means out of operative engagement with said actuation means.

9. The mechanism of claim 8 wherein said actuation means includes a support plate formed on said body to engage said adjacent lock-out means.

10. The mechanism of claim 8 wherein each of said lock-out elements include limit means, and said upper housing includes a plurality of projections formed thereon arranged relative to said limit means to limit the rotational movement of said lock-out elements.

11. A drop-shelf mechanism as claimed in claim 8, wherein one side of said housing has a plurality of slots cut therein corresponding to the position of the shelves, a flexible shaft supporting each of said shelves for pivotal movement thereon, said shafts having substantially V-shaped portions bent outwardly intermediate their ends and extending through the corresponding slots in the housing for supporting the shafts in such manner as 9 v to pivotally support the shelves and permit flexed lat eral movement of at least one end of each flexible shaft to allow movement of the shelf pivotally on the shaft" into a dispensing position.

12. The mechanism of claim 8 wherein said lock-out means includes a projection means formed on said body to engage said corresponding shelf means to hold 

1. A drop-shelf mechanism for use in an article dispensing machine comprising a housing having a plurality of slots formed in a first side thereof, said slots in vertical spaced relation relative to each other, a plurality of articles holding shelves in said housing vertically spaced in corresponding relation with said slots, flexible shafts each having a substantially V-shaped portion formed therein intermediate its ends and extending through its corresponding slot in said housing to connect said shaft to said housing, means on each said shelf to connect its respective flexible shaft to said shelf to pivotally support each said corresponding shelf, means formed on the interior surface of a second side of said housing opposite said first side to support each said shelf in a horizontal position independently of each other, actuating means to move each said shelf out of supporting engagement with said horizontal supporting means by flexing each said flexible shaft toward said first side to allow each said shelf to pivot to a substantially vertical dispensing position.
 2. A drop-shelf mechanism for use in dispensing machine as claimed in claim 1 including lock-out means for preventing movement of more than one shelf at a time and to permit movement of said shelves successively in sequence from the lowermost to the topmost shelf.
 3. A drop-shelf mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein said means for supporting said shelf in horizontal position comprises a holding tab on the housing and a corresponding tab on the shelf, a slot at one end of the shelf for receiving the corresponding end of said flexible shaft, said actuating means moving said shelf laterally to disengage said holding tabs and allow said shelf to fall into a substantially dispensing position.
 4. A drop-shelf mechanism as claimed in claim 3, said flexible shaft acting to move said shelf laterally to re-engage the supporting tabs on the housing and shelf when the shelf is moved from the dispensing position into a horizontal article supporting position.
 5. A drop-shelf mechanism for use in a dispensing machine, said mechanism comprising an upper housing, a plurality of shelf means movable between a supporting position and a dispensing position, a support means operatively engaging each of said plurality of shelf means, a movably mounted actuating means, actuation means in communicating relation with said actuating means and said shelf means, and a lock-out means in communicating relation with said actuation means and each of said plurality of shelf means, said actuating means being arranged relative to said actuation means and said plurality of shelf means such that said actuation means and at least one of said shelf means is in operativE alignment with said actuating means, said lock-out means engaging the remaining of said plurality of shelf means so as to maintain each out of operative alignment with said actuating means whereby actuation of said actuating means moves said actuating means into operative engagement with said actuation means and said shelf means in operative alignment therewith moving siad shelf means from said supporting position to said dispensing position to dispense a product, said lock-out means engaging each of said remaining shelf means and positioned relative to said actuation means such that at least one of said remaining shelf means is in operative alignment with said actuation means, said plurality of shelf means each successively being in operative alignment with said actuation means and subsequently moved to said dispensing position upon successive actuation of said actuation means, said actuation means comprises a plurality of actuation elements movably mounted on said upper housing, each of said actuation elements correspondingly positioned relative to one of said shelf means, said actuating elements each comprises a body having an elongated aperture formed therein each of said elements mounted for both linear and pivotal movement about said aperture, a tripper means to operatively engage said corresponding shelf means support plate.
 6. The mechanism of claim 5 wherein said tripper means comprises a tripper bar having a tripper foot formed thereon to engage said corresponding shelf means.
 7. The mechanism of claim 5 wherein each of said actuation elements is operatively connected to a bias spring tending to pivot said actuation elements.
 8. A drop-shelf mechanism for use in a dispensing machine, said mechanism comprising an upper housing, a plurality of shelf means movable between a supporting position and a dispensing position, a support means operatively engaging each of said plurality of shelf means, a movably mounted actuating means, actuation means in communicating relation with said actuating means and said shelf means, and a lock-out means in communicating relation with said actuation means and each of said plurality of shelf means, said actuating means being arranged relative to said actuation means and said plurality of shelf means such that said actuation means and at least one of said sheld means is in operative alignment with said actuating means, said lock-out means engaging the remaining of said plurality of shelf means so as to maintain each out of operative alignment with said actuating means whereby actuation of said actuating means moves said actuating means into operative engagement with said actuation means and said shelf means in operative alignment therewith moving said shelf means from said supporting position to said dispensing position to dispense a product, said lock-out means engaging each of said remaining shelf means and positioned relative to said actuation means such that at least one of said remaining shelf means is in operative alignment with said actuation means, said plurality of shelf means each succesively being in operative alignment with said actuation means and subsequently moved to said dispensing position upon successive actuation of said actuation means, said actuation means comprises a plurality of actuation elements movably mounted on said upper housing, each of said actuation elements correspondingly positioned relative to one of said shelf means, wherein said lock-out means comprises a plurality of lock-out elements pivotally mounted on said upper housing, each of said lock-out means correspondingly positioned relative to one of said actuation elements, wherein said lock-out elements each comprises a body, a portion of said body engaging the next adjacent of said actuation means to hold said actuation means out of operative engagement with said actuation means.
 9. The mechanism of claim 8 wherein said actuation means includes a support plate formed on said body to engage said adjacent lock-out means.
 10. The mechaNism of claim 8 wherein each of said lock-out elements include limit means, and said upper housing includes a plurality of projections formed thereon arranged relative to said limit means to limit the rotational movement of said lock-out elements.
 11. A drop-shelf mechanism as claimed in claim 8, wherein one side of said housing has a plurality of slots cut therein corresponding to the position of the shelves, a flexible shaft supporting each of said shelves for pivotal movement thereon, said shafts having substantially V-shaped portions bent outwardly intermediate their ends and extending through the corresponding slots in the housing for supporting the shafts in such manner as to pivotally support the shelves and permit flexed lateral movement of at least one end of each flexible shaft to allow movement of the shelf pivotally on the shaft into a dispensing position.
 12. The mechanism of claim 8 wherein said lock-out means includes a projection means formed on said body to engage said corresponding shelf means to hold said lock-out means in engagement with said adjacent actuation means.
 13. The mechanism of claim 12 wherein said shelf means includes a support tab to operatively engage said projection means. 